By The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Finance and Petroleum Resources (Upstream) has issued a stern warning to companies and agencies evading participation in the investigation of the $60 billion inflated cash calls associated with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Joint Venture Agreements.
Chaired by Hon. James Faleke (Finance) and Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa (Petroleum Resources), the joint committee has expressed frustration over the absence of key executives from implicated companies and agencies during the hearings. The committee has also criticized the inadequate presentations made by the few representatives who did appear.
In response to the lack of cooperation, Co-Chairman Ado-Doguwa emphasized that the committee would not tolerate any attempts to undermine the constitutional authority of the parliament. He highlighted the significant resources involved, which could have been utilized to improve the lives of Nigerians, thereby underscoring the necessity for accountability.
“For those who have not come because there were several companies and agencies that were invited and it’s like they were insensitive to the invitation of this important committee,” said Ado-Doguwa. “For those who chose to disregard what the parliament is doing here, this committee would not take it lightly with anyone or institution who wants to undermine the constitutional powers of this important hearing to investigate the affairs of public finance of this great country, Nigeria.”
Ado-Doguwa warned that the committee would employ all legal instruments available to ensure compliance with their summons. He directed the committee clerk to document those who failed to appear without a valid explanation and those who provided apologies, promising appropriate actions against non-compliant entities.
The companies and agencies under scrutiny include major players such as Total Exploration, Shell Petroleum, Agip, Chevron, Oando, Mobil, Pan Ocean, Eroton, Belema, First Exploration, New Cross Exploration, Seplat Petroleum, Amini International Petroleum, West Africa Exploration and Production Limited, Walter Smith Petroleum Limited, ND Western Limited, Sahara Energy Limited, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited, Neconde Energy Limited, Elcrest Exploration and Production Limited, and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited.
The committee’s insistence on accountability reflects a broader effort to ensure transparency and proper management of the nation’s resources, aiming to redirect significant funds towards the betterment of Nigerian society.
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